By Harry West

The Fifa vice-president passed away on Wednesday and the country has decided to postpone all footballing activity until Monday as a mark of respect

The opening round of the Argentine Primera Division has been suspended following the death of Fifa vice-president Julio Grondona.

Grondona, president of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) since 1979, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 82.

He was reportedly taken to hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest, and it was confirmed shortly afterwards that he had been unable to recover.

As a result, the AFA announced that the opening round of fixtures, due to begin on Friday with Godoy Cruz taking on Banfield, had been postponed.

"The Argentine Football Association wishes to inform that following the death of president Julio Grondona, all official football activities are suspended," a statement read.

"The Argentine Football Association will resume administrative activities from Monday."

The AFA also opted to suspend the press conference concerning Alejandro Sabella, who is expected to step down from his role as head coach of the national team, with former Barcelona boss Gerardo Martino in line to replace him.